TV5 APOLOGIZES TO VICE GANDA OVER WRONG NEWS INVOLVING MARIAN RIVERA — BUT MARIAN SAYS “THE APOLOGY ISN’T ENOUGH!”
In an explosive media circus that has turned the Philippine entertainment world upside down, TV5 has issued a public apology to comedy icon Vice Ganda after airing false information linking Vice to an alleged “feud” and “disrespectful comment” directed at actress Marian Rivera.
But just when the dust was beginning to settle, Marian Rivera fired back—declaring the apology wasn’t enough, and hinting at legal action against both the network and the personalities involved.
What began as a misreported story has now snowballed into a full-blown celebrity war, threatening endorsements, reputations, and even network relations.
THE CONTROVERSIAL REPORT THAT STARTED IT ALL
On July 18, a segment aired on TV5’s entertainment news program “Showbiz Pulse,” claiming that Vice Ganda made an off-cam remark mocking Marian Rivera during a closed-door event hosted by a luxury fashion brand in Makati.
The voice-over stated:
“Sources close to the event say Vice Ganda whispered a shady comment when Marian entered, allegedly saying, ‘Ayan na si Reyna-Reynahan kahit wala namang crown.’”
The clip was accompanied by blurry footage of Vice laughing with fellow It’s Showtime co-hosts and Marian walking by moments later.
Social media went into a frenzy.
#ViceVsMarian trended on X.
Marian’s fans demanded a public apology.
Vice Ganda’s fans defended him fiercely, calling the report “delusional and desperate for ratings.”
But things got worse when the fashion brand’s official statement came out the next day.
“We confirm that both Marian Rivera and Vice Ganda were present, but no such incident occurred. The event was smooth, joyful, and marked by mutual respect between all guests.”
TV5 BACKTRACKS: A PUBLIC APOLOGY TO VICE
On July 20, TV5 issued a rare on-air apology:
“TV5 and the producers of Showbiz Pulse apologize to Vice Ganda for the inaccurate and misleading report aired last Friday. We acknowledge that our segment lacked sufficient verification and may have caused unnecessary distress.”
The statement, however, was read briefly and with no accompanying video clarification.
Vice Ganda responded within hours via X (formerly Twitter):
“Apology accepted, but I hope this serves as a reminder to all: You don’t need to lie just to trend. ☝🏼”
Vice’s fans flooded the comment section with support and praise for the classy response.
MARIAN RIVERA STRIKES BACK: “THIS ISN’T ENOUGH.”
While many thought the issue would end there, Marian Rivera reignited the flame with a cryptic Instagram Story:
“You damage someone’s name with lies then walk away with a simple sorry? Not on my watch.”
Within hours, she released a formal statement via her legal team:
“Marian Rivera-Dantes is considering legal action against TV5, the producers of Showbiz Pulse, and any individuals involved in perpetuating a false narrative that paints her as insecure or confrontational.”
Sources close to Marian say she felt “used” and “manipulated” by the media circus, and believes the apology was only meant to protect Vice—not acknowledge the damage done to her.
“Why is no one asking how Marian feels being portrayed as the problem when she said nothing at all?” said a family insider.
NETWORK RIVALRY IN THE SPOTLIGHT
The scandal has also reignited old tensions between TV5 and ABS-CBN, where Vice Ganda remains one of the network’s biggest stars.
Some media analysts believe that TV5’s report was a strategic attempt to discredit ABS-CBN talent during a time when network wars are becoming more aggressive.
“It’s not just about showbiz—it’s business,” said media analyst Julian Mercado. “With TV5 climbing in ratings and ABS-CBN regaining footing through collaborations, the battle for attention is fiercer than ever.”
Vice Ganda’s management has hinted at pursuing legal and ethical accountability, not just for the false report, but for the lack of due diligence in protecting artists’ reputations.
CELEBRITY REACTIONS POUR IN
As the situation escalated, several celebrities and influencers voiced their opinions:
Angel Locsin tweeted: “This kind of media behavior is dangerous. Artists are not your playthings.”
Bea Alonzo commented: “It takes years to build a name and seconds to destroy it with a careless headline.”
Anne Curtis, Vice’s co-host, shared a group photo from the event captioned: “All smiles, no shade. The real story.”
Interestingly, Dingdong Dantes, Marian’s husband, has remained silent—raising eyebrows among fans who expected a statement.
BEHIND CLOSED DOORS: WHAT REALLY HAPPENED?
A leaked voice note from someone allegedly working at the event surfaced online. The speaker, whose identity is being verified, said:
“Vice and Marian barely interacted. They were seated at opposite ends of the table. Vice was cracking jokes the whole night, but not at anyone’s expense. This was all blown out of proportion.”
Still, the damage has been done. Fans remain divided. Some feel Vice should’ve denied the comment sooner, while others say Marian is “overreacting and playing the victim.”
WHAT’S NEXT: A COURTROOM DRAMA OR PRIVATE SETTLEMENT?
Lawyers from both camps are reportedly in early talks to resolve the issue privately, but sources say Marian is unlikely to settle unless TV5 makes a direct apology to her—not just Vice.
Meanwhile, ABS-CBN has issued a statement supporting Vice, calling for responsible journalism and fairness in reporting.
“Vice Ganda remains a valued member of our family. We support his right to be protected from false narratives.”
The Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) has also announced an investigation into TV5’s editorial standards following several recent complaints.
FINAL THOUGHTS: ONE LIE, MANY CONSEQUENCES
What started as a careless entertainment segment has now become a multi-network scandal, a celebrity rift, and a legal ticking time bomb.
In a digital age where every whisper can become a headline, the price of misinformation is higher than ever—especially when reputations, relationships, and careers hang in the balance.
Will Marian get the justice she demands? Will Vice clear his name completely? Or will TV5 be the real loser in this battle of truth, pride, and power?
This story is far from over. Stay tuned.
#ViceGanda #MarianRivera #TV5Scandal #CelebrityTruthWars #PhilippineShowbizDrama
